Interstate 70 slip repairs get under way

February 18, 2013

ST. CLAIRSVILLE - Work began last week to repair a roadside slip that has kept one of the westbound lanes along a stretch of Interstate 70 closed since a slope failure in late May.

According to Ohio Department of Transportation Public Information Officer Becky Giauque, workers began constructing a drilled shaft retaining wall along the roadside just east of exit 220. Upon constructing the wall, workers will backfill the space between the wall and the roadside.

Additionally, the underground drainage system will be modified and diverted away from the failed area to the next culvert downgrade, Giauque pointed out.

ODOT's contractor, Ohio-West Virginia Excavating Co. of Powhatan Point, made emergency repairs when the roadside slipped on May 29, closing two lanes and even causing an overhead sign to fall into the roadway. ODOT engineers evaluated the site while designing a solution.

Ohio-West Virginia has been contracted to make the permanent repairs for $2 million.

The far right, or "truck climbing" lane, will remain closed by concrete barriers within the project limits until work is completed in June. Eastbound traffic will not be affected.